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| New Zealand Kiwis |
But the Kiwis face strong competition from Australia and England in the 14-team tournament, which climaxes with the final at Old Trafford on 30 November.
BBC Sport looks at how the three big guns have fared over the last 12 months and predicts which team and players will make an impact in 2013.
Former Great Britain, Bradford Bulls, Wigan Warriors and Celtic Crusaders coach Brian Noble also gives us his verdict on the main Zealand attempting to defend the title they won in 2008BBC